Vibrant sights, sounds and colors will fill the grounds at Cheekwood
Estate & Gardens for Holi, the dynamic Indian “Festival of Spring” and “Festival of
Colors.”
This educational event introduces visitors to Indian culture and is the first of four
multicultural festivals celebrated throughout the year at Cheekwood.
Guests will have the chance to celebrate the arrival of spring while receiving custom
Henna tattoos and participating in color throwing traditions. The festival will also
feature hands-on activities for all ages, tasty fare from local food vendors, shopping
opportunities, and music and dance performances. Holi will occur against a backdrop of
thousands of blooming bulbs, as Cheekwood in Bloom continues.
“Holi is a time of joy, renewal, and togetherness, and we are delighted to once again
bring this celebration to Cheekwood,” said Sam Patel, Chair of the Cheekwood Indian
Advisory Committee and a member of the Cheekwood Board of Trustees. “With its
beautiful gardens and welcoming community, Cheekwood provides the perfect setting
to embrace the spirit of Holi—spreading love, unity, and the triumph of good over
adversity. We look forward to celebrating with guests of all backgrounds as we share
the colors, traditions, and energy of this cherished festival.”
Holi will be held March 22, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Schedule of Events
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Hands-On Activities
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Arts & Goods Vendors Open
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Food Vendors Open
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. – DJ Performance
10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. – Dance Performances
10:45 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 3:15 p.m. – Color Throwing
Hands-On Activities
Color Throwing
Brightly colored powders called gulal are thrown in celebration. Every color represents
something in Indian culture ranging from love to health to the sun. Color packets are
included in the price of admission and every ticket holder will receive a pass to be
redeemed for one packet of color. Color packets will only be available at the start of
each color throwing event on Arboretum Lawn and must be used when received.
The color powder is non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Most of the color powder
will shake or wash off, but it may discolor clothes. Please note, no entry to the Mansion is
permitted after a guest has participated in color throwing.
Henna
The art of Henna—called mehndi in Hindi and Urdu—has been practiced in Pakistan,
India, Africa, and the Middle East for over 5,000 years. The leaves of the henna plant
are dried, crushed into a fine powder, and made into a creamy paste using a variety of
techniques. This paste is then applied to the skin, staining the top layer of skin only.
Guests will have the opportunity to receive a free temporary tattoo or purchase a
custom design from a Henna artist.
Watercolor Cards
Embrace the dynamic colors associated with Holi and take home a custom keepsake
from the event. Artists of all ages can use spray bottles filled with color powder and
water to create their own abstract designs on blank sheets of paper. Each card is
branded with the Holi 2025 logo and makes for a perfect souvenir to remember the day.
Celebrate Peacocks
Guests can learn about the significance of the peacock in Indian culture and create their
own peacock out of paper. The peacock has been an inspiration and played a pivotal
role in Indian tradition for centuries and was named the National Bird of India in 1963.
The bird is a symbol of royalty, watchfulness, and protection and is often used as a motif
in architecture, jewelry, and painting. In Hinduism, the peacock is associated with and
favored by many gods and goddesses.
Decorate a Sari or Kurta Pajama
Traditional Indian clothing varies based on the climates, geography, and cultural
traditions of the different regions of India. The Kurta is a loose-fitting shirt with or
without a collar that is worn by men and reaches the knees. The Pajama is a lightweight
pant worn with a Kurta. The Sari is a traditional dress worn by women. It is one piece of
fabric that is commonly wrapped around the waist and draped over the shoulder.
Attendees will have a chance to design and decorate their own Sari or Kurta Pajama on
paper.
DJ and Dance Performances
From the Arboretum Lawn, DJ Srikanth spins a high-energy mix of Bollywood hits,
Punjabi beats, Indian fusion, and global dance anthems that will keep you moving all
day long.
Also head to the Frist Learning Center Courtyard to enjoy performances by multiple
local groups who showcase the richness of Indian culture through a variety of styles of
dance.
Vendors
Holi will feature traditional Indian food from local food trucks and locally owned
restaurants. Clothing, jewelry and art will also be available for purchase from local
business owners.
Ticket Information
Holi will be held rain or shine. All activities are included with membership or general
admission. Advance reservations are required. To purchase tickets, visit
https://cheekwood.org/.
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